Poshmark vs Depop vs Mercari: Fees, Payouts and Which to Pick
The lowest fee is not always the best deal. A jacket that sells for more on the right marketplace can leave you with more money, even after a larger commission. Start with the item, compare what you actually keep, then choose one app to try.
US seller fees at a glance
Policy check: November 5, 2026. This guide covers US sellers and USD transactions. Other countries, optional promotion and special services can have different charges.
| App | Standard seller charge | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Poshmark | $2.95 for sales below $15; 20% at $15 or more | Seller-funded shipping discounts and label adjustments reduce what you keep. |
| Depop | No selling fee; payment processing is 3.3% + $0.45 | Processing includes shipping and applicable tax. Optional boosted listings can add a separate fee. |
| Mercari | 10% of item price plus buyer-paid shipping | The shipping amount is in the fee base, even when the buyer pays it. |
Depop's current US boosting schedule lists 12% for new listings from March 23, 2026. That optional charge is excluded from the examples below. Mercari also lists a buyer protection fee of 3.6% on item price plus buyer-paid shipping for new or updated listings; it is paid by the buyer, but can affect the checkout total they are willing to accept.
What do you keep on a $40 sale?
Illustrative comparison: a $40 item, no sales tax in the calculation, no advertising, no shipping discount and no packaging cost. For Depop and Mercari, assume the buyer pays an illustrative $6 for shipping and that the label also costs $6. This is an arithmetic example, not a live shipping quote.
| App | Seller fee calculation | Item proceeds after fee and label |
|---|---|---|
| Poshmark | $40 × 20% = $8 | $32.00, assuming the buyer covers the standard label with no seller subsidy |
| Depop | ($40 + $6) × 3.3% + $0.45 = $1.97, rounded | $38.03 |
| Mercari | ($40 + $6) × 10% = $4.60 | $35.40 |
Applicable sales tax would increase Depop's processing fee. Your actual label, discounts, refunds, promotion and optional payout services can change the result. These proceeds are not profit: subtract what you paid for the item and your supplies as well.
When Poshmark wins
Use Poshmark as a starting point when shoppers can find your piece by brand, size and category. A recognizable label, clear measurements and honest condition notes give buyers something concrete to compare. Its prepaid-label workflow can simplify shipping, but check the current label terms before accepting an offer.
A higher selling price can outweigh the fee. At a $50 item price, Poshmark leaves $40 before any seller-funded shipping or other costs. That beats the $38.03 Depop example above, even though Depop has a lower standard seller charge. Compare realistic sold prices, not wishful asking prices.
When Depop wins
Try Depop first when the appeal is the look: vintage denim, graphic tees, streetwear or an unusual cut. Show the shape and texture, add measurements and use accurate style terms. Do not label an item vintage, rare or designer unless you can support it.
Its lower standard US seller charge is useful if the sale price is comparable. But zero selling commission does not mean zero fees, and paying to boost changes the calculation. Start without optional promotion so you can see whether the item attracts interest on its own.
When Mercari wins
Mercari is worth considering when you are clearing out several categories rather than building a clothing-only shop. It lets you compare a general-marketplace offer with the fashion-focused alternatives. Weigh the packed parcel before choosing a label: a cheap listing can become an expensive mistake if its shipping weight is wrong.
Our verdict: choose by likely net proceeds
- Find comparable sold items with the same brand, size and condition.
- Estimate the likely sale price, not the highest active listing.
- Subtract the fee, your shipping contribution and packing cost.
- Pick the app with the best realistic return for the work involved.
If you crosslist, remove the other listings promptly after a sale. One garment cannot fulfill two orders. For a wider marketplace overview, see our four-app comparison; for more fee examples, see resale app fees compared.
Make the listing step lighter
Fashionistas.ai helps turn a clothing photo into a listing draft. Check its suggested details, add measurements and disclose flaws before using the draft. A photo is a starting point, not proof of brand, fabric or authenticity.
Start with a photo